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308 powder selection
I am looking to start reloading. Wanted some input on which powder to start with for my 308 tikka ctr. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Seems like Varget is the usual powder, but I was also looking at cfe 223 as well.
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8 Replies
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Hi don't know about the .308 but for my .223 I use Viht 133 , which ever powder you choose make sure you can get a ready supply , it's no good working up a good load then finding the powders on back order the next time you want some , that why I tend to stick with Viht as is from this side of the Atlantic
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I don't load for .308 but a lot of folks do. Seems I've seen Varget mentioned as well as others. Which bullet do you want to try?
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VARGET if you can get it…Larkin gives good advice, reload with a powder you can readily get.
CFE223 is good but not temp stable at all from my reload testing, if using CFE you will have to adjust loads to keep things shooting tight in various conditions which is a pain in the ass.MY GO TO – CTR 308 Load:
168gr Amax
45grs Varget
Coal – 2.82″ (may have to adjust for your rifle)…approximate .030 off the lands.
1/4-1/2″ MOA consistently, bug holes at 100, clovers at 200…
Target example:
https://tikkashooters.com/public_html/general-discussion/ctr-308-reload/msg7368/#msg7368 -
I was going to try a 168 gr bullet. I have not picked out any as of yet. I know 168 factory loads shoot pretty well already for me.
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The 168gr Amax shoots great but I'm now starting to play with the 178gr Amax…its a better choice out past 500yrds for target shooting. If it groups and shoots equally as well as the 168's I'll be switching once my inventory runs out.
The 155gr Lapua scenar is supposed to be an absolute gem of a bullet out a 308 as well so put that on your radar if you are doing more target shooting then hunting.
You can always try IMR 4166 if its easier to get in your area, would be the closest equivalent and its just as temperature stable.
Keep us posted, not many guys discussing reloading these days.
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Thanks I will update with what I come up with in the next couple weeks. We will get the reloading talk back going here. I'm really excited to start up
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I was able to find some varget powder at Cabelas, also picked up some Lapua brass while I was there. Can you really get 10 reloads out of that brass?
I got some Hornady 168 BTHP bullets
Ordered some ELDX 178gr that will be here in a month i guess. Anybody have any experience with these new bullets?Thats the updates so far.
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Personally I would follow Dogdown's advice, if Varget is unavailable the new IMR4166 (i f I recall) is pretty close to varget if a bit more costly.
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